Concerns are rising among parents as cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are rapidly increasing, particularly among young children. In the past month, the number of suspected cases has surged, creating a tense atmosphere for families with children in daycare and kindergarten.
According to a report by Yonhap News on June 14, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that during the 23rd week of the year (May 31 to June 6), the rate of patients showing symptoms of HFMD at 109 sample surveillance medical institutions nationwide was 7.2 per 1,000 outpatient visits. This marks a 71.4% increase from the previous week's rate of 4.2 per 1,000.
The number of suspected HFMD cases has been on the rise since the 19th week of May, when it recorded just 1.1 per 1,000. While the numbers were relatively low earlier in May, they have sharply increased over the past month, indicating the onset of a significant outbreak.
In comparison to the same period last year, the current rate of suspected cases is notably high. Last year, the rate was 3.4 per 1,000, while this year it has more than doubled to 7.2 per 1,000, showing a faster spread than seasonal trends observed in previous years.
The increase is particularly pronounced among infants and toddlers. The rate for children aged 0 to 6 years rose from 1.6 per 1,000 in the 19th week to 10.0 per 1,000 in the 23rd week. Given that HFMD primarily affects younger age groups, parents of young children are understandably more anxious.
HFMD is caused by enteroviruses, which are transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, such as saliva, mucus, or feces, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The main symptoms include vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, along with fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. When blisters form in the mouth, children may struggle to eat or drink, increasing the burden on caregivers.
Typically, symptoms improve within 3 to 4 days, and most patients recover within 7 to 10 days. However, in rare cases, complications such as meningitis or encephalitis can occur, so it is advised to seek medical attention if symptoms are suspected.
As news of the outbreak spreads, parents are sharing their experiences and concerns on online communities and social media. Comments include, “Once one child contracts it at daycare, it spreads quickly,” and “Kids share toys and often put their hands in their mouths, which worries me.” Others expressed, “Every summer, there are discussions about HFMD, and it makes me anxious.”
Many parents have recounted their own experiences with the disease. One user shared, “Last year, my child had HFMD, and the blisters in their mouth made it nearly impossible for them to eat.” Another noted, “I thought it was just a cold because my child had a fever and was lethargic, but it turned out to be HFMD. I realized early detection is crucial.”
Parents' concerns extend beyond their children's health. Some expressed, “When my child is sick, I have to ask my employer for understanding, which is a significant burden,” and “If my child can’t attend for several days, it creates a gap in care,” highlighting the impact of the outbreak on daily life for working families.
Many commenters emphasized the importance of hygiene management in daycare and educational facilities. Suggestions included, “Toys and educational materials should be disinfected more frequently,” and “It’s crucial to teach children to wash their hands after using the restroom.” They also called for more frequent updates for parents during outbreak periods.
There were also calls for personal hygiene practices. Online discussions included, “Washing hands after going out should become a habit,” and “Children should wash their hands frequently.” Parents suggested cleaning toys and frequently touched items at home.
Some users expressed concerns about visiting indoor play facilities or kids' cafes, stating, “During outbreak periods, I’m cautious about going to crowded indoor play areas,” and “I used to take my child to kids' cafes every weekend, but now I’m hesitant.”
Conversely, some emphasized the importance of quickly identifying symptoms and adhering to preventive measures rather than succumbing to excessive anxiety. Comments included, “Even though most recover, we shouldn’t let our guard down due to the risk of complications,” and “If there’s a fever or blisters in the mouth, it’s best to go to the hospital immediately.” They also stressed the need to monitor children closely and avoid sending them to daycare if they are unwell.
HFMD can be particularly challenging for children to describe their symptoms, making careful observation by parents essential. Signs such as decreased appetite, excessive drooling, rashes on hands and feet, or fever should not be dismissed as a simple cold.
The KDCA has urged the public to maintain personal hygiene practices to prevent HFMD, including washing hands after going out and before meals, disinfecting toys and household items, and following proper coughing etiquette.
While HFMD is a recurring seasonal infection, this year has seen more than double the number of suspected cases compared to the same period last year, heightening parents' anxiety. As the summer outbreak season approaches, adhering to basic preventive measures like handwashing and disinfection is crucial to reducing the spread of infection.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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